The AUDI A3 (1996-03) 5DR HATCHBACK 1.9 TDI 130 SPORT is a five-door family hatchback, compact for town driving yet more substantial than a basic city car. In the UK used-car market, it bridges mainstream hatchbacks and larger executive cars, offering an upmarket badge in a practical everyday package today. Mycarcheck.com recorded 142 look-ups covering 75 distinct VINs, a useful sample of interest in this older A3. Checks show an average private-sale valuation of £500 and average recorded mileage of 180,000 miles; typical annual mileage is 7,000. The cars averaged about 5.7 previous keepers, so condition and history can vary. That mileage makes a history check worthwhile. The torquey diesel suits regular commuting and longer journeys, while five doors and a comfortable, usable cabin help small families too. Sport trim gives the A3 a purposeful feel; it remains a desirable, refined alternative to mainstream rivals, though age brings upkeep needs.